Where can you find a Big 5 safari?

Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cape buffalo are the animals who make up a Big 5 safari. The term originated from game hunters who referred to their most desired prizes as the Big 5. However, now 'Big 5' is about witnessing all of these amazing animals in their natural habitats... That's the real prize!

The vast majority of parks across Africa feature the Big 5 animals, as well as other wildlife, but Big 5 safaris are about staying at properties in private reserves and national parks which all of these animals live in. Although game viewings are never a guarantee as the animals are wild and free to roam, the advantage of a Mahlatini safari is that you can rely on guide's specialist knowledge and tracking skills to locate the animals you wish to see. Top guides will also describe the wildlife's behaviour and provide you with specific information.

Now you know what the Big 5 are , lets maximise your chances of a Big 5 safari! A variety of National Parks and private game reserves within South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana can offer Big 5 safaris.

Botswana

Begin with a unique luxury, mobile camping experience in the Chobe National Park. Chobe is famed for the largest concentration of elephants in Southern Africa. Spend your time experiencing land and water based game viewing, including sundowner cruises on the Chobe River. You will then embark on a fly-in safari ,deep into the Okavango Delta. You will enjoy both land and water based game viewing, in the form of 4x4 game viewing vehicles, motor boats and relaxing mokoro rides through the Delta. This epic, fly-in safari is a nature lovers' dream, with a varied array of activities. Flying over the Okavango Delta is one of the many highlight of this trip, not to mention the incredible accommodation throughout.

South Africa

Indulge in fine wines and cuisine; elegant lodgings and some of the most spectacular views and scenery South Africa has to offer. Iconic accommodations such as the exclusive Ellerman House and the famed Singita Boulders Lodge, offer simply some of highest levels of luxury across the board. Certainly an itinerary for the most distinguished guest, you can enjoy the fine art collection at Ellerman House and a sundowner whilst overlooking the incredible Bantry Bay. Head off to the Winelands area in search of the finest Pinotage, surround yourself in total opulence in the form of La Residence hotel, perfectly situated in the stunning Franschhoek Valley. Your final stop; of course, the most luxurious of lodges in the famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Set along the banks of the Sand River, Singita Boulders Lodge is renowned for its big game sightings in particular big cats. A true beacon of splendour and exclusivity, coupled with some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa, this is a truly first class itinerary.

Tanzania

Take your family on an exploration of Tanzania's rightly famous Northern parks in an action-packed safari adventure, before heading to the tropical island of Zanzibar for some well-earned relaxation. This family-friendly itinerary takes you to three spectacular wildlife areas in the north of Tanzania in a combination of game drives and walking safaris (age dependent). Begin in Tarangire, offering an exclusive wilderness experience before making your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to explore the famous and awe-inspiring crater highlands region. Then on to the Serengeti where the family will watch as thousands of wildebeest fill the plains in the Great Migration. Round off your safari on the white sands of tropical Zanzibar Island. Throughout this family adventure you will avoid the hassle of long transfers with light aircraft hops between the parks. You will be accommodated in family rooms and enjoy the benefits of a private safari guide.

Kenya

The ultimate 'Out of Africa' experience. You can expect endless savannahs teeming with game, snow-capped mountains and fascinating culture, all whilst staying in the Safari Collection's luxurious camps tucked away in exclusive areas. This adventure provides the very best of the wildlife and scenery. Solio Lodge is the only guest accommodation on the 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve. Solio Lodge is tucked in the valley between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains. The reserve is recognised as the most successful private rhino breeding reserve in the country and you may see up to 40 rhinoceros at a time!